Looking for the any ones "best way" to re-sharpen, or re-knap used flints to get more life out of them. I've got a pretty good sized bag of "used" flints I don't want to get rid of if I can breath more life back in them.
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Flint re-knapping
- Thread starter griffiga
- Start date
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Research "pressure flaking" on any of the flint knapping youtube sites. I have found this is the best way to re-establish a sharp edge having the original > profile.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/extending-flint-life.112689/
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/extending-flint-life.112689/
I ordered me a little copper nail knapping tool off eBay and will give it a try. Hopefully it will give me something to do with the temperature below freezing and a couple feet of snow.
rafterob
62 Cal.
I use a flat head screwdriver to pressure flake the edges.
hanshi
Cannon
I have a little home made copper "hammer" and knapp the flint in the ****.
I have tried that as well and get a few more shots, but I have about 40 used flints I want to rework while I'm sitting home wishing I was out shooting.
I have 2 diamond plates I use for sharpening wood tools. They work great for grinding flint edges. Makes them nice and straight.
Don
Don
You're already dealing with a "knapped" flint. What you are looking to do is to pressure flake the edge back to sharpness and maybe get some extra life out of the flints.
Here is a video of the technique. Edged spear point or edge of a gunflint, no real difference.
Wear eye protection
Flint Knapping pressure flaking 101
LD
is napping the flint in the **** bad for it? Ive always wondered
If done right, it works, but I could never do it very well.
In my view it puts a lot of strain on the half **** notch and sear tip. Seems a small risk based on experience though.
Re-touching the edge of a flint normally results in a more blunt edge angle that will give some more shots but it’s not something I’d do and go deer hunting. I’m sure the diamond file approach can re-establish an acute, shearing angle but I just make a new flint.
You must support the **** to avoid damaging pressure on the sear.
Yeah, @rich pierce, but you can knap a new gun flint faster than I can freshen up the edge on my flint.
I just found some copper nails in my father's collection of nails. I'm going to try a pressure tool.
I just found some copper nails in my father's collection of nails. I'm going to try a pressure tool.
bldtrailer
Pilgrim
I like diamond file to touchup the flint in the **** if it needs more than that I change out the flint , then I pressure flake out of the gun. if more is needed a diamond flat stone or wheel in a dremal (with eye safety & filter mask) to take down the humps
I
for those who strike the flint in the **** I make notched brass knappers, the rod is how Mr Dixon showed me how he knaps a flint in the half ****( he uses a thick brass rod and strikes the flint's edge)
, I made one out of used gun brass
for those who strike the flint in the **** I make notched brass knappers, the rod is how Mr Dixon showed me how he knaps a flint in the half ****( he uses a thick brass rod and strikes the flint's edge)
ohio ramrod
75 Cal.
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Rich you are a GREAT knapper but for those of us who are knapping impaired a diamond plate is slow but will work for us.In my view it puts a lot of strain on the half **** notch and sear tip. Seems a small risk based on experience though.
Re-touching the edge of a flint normally results in a more blunt edge angle that will give some more shots but it’s not something I’d do and go deer hunting. I’m sure the diamond file approach can re-establish an acute, shearing angle but I just make a new flint.
hanshi
Cannon
If one decides to knapp a flint while it's in the **** it has to be held "out of battery". By that I mean holding the **** OUT of the half or full **** notch with the finger that holds onto the bottom of the flint. This keeps pressure from being exerted on either notch. Never knapp with the **** in half or full position. I've never, for some reason, been able to pressure flake a flint; maybe I just don't hold my mouth quite right when trying it.
Years ago I made a small flint knapper that works like a charm. Sharpening while shooting I just Leave the flint in the jaws, place on half ****, and be sure the gun is unloaded. Just a few quick, light taps across the face of the flint renews it to as good or usually better than new. Very controllable knapping—no broken flints. I harden the steel and don’t anneal it.
Click pictures to enlarge.
Click pictures to enlarge.
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If I’m on a woods walk , I’ll usually just use the spine of my knife
Lightly tapping along the flint s edge will buy you a few more shots , and it’s easier than pressure flaking too... imho.
As too reconditioning used flints at home... diamond file or Dremel with the green stone wheel and a respirator!
Lightly tapping along the flint s edge will buy you a few more shots , and it’s easier than pressure flaking too... imho.
As too reconditioning used flints at home... diamond file or Dremel with the green stone wheel and a respirator!
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Back of my knife for me too. Keeps it going for a while longer.
Ive tried pressure flaking with various copper and brass tools. Impact knapping with small brass hammer, and various other methods. Though not P/C , a small pair of needle nose pliers works well for the knapping challenged like myself.
